Taika Waititi Reflects on Nerds Worrying He’d ‘Ruin’ Thor: ‘What, You Mean Again?’

Taika Waititi, a New Zealand filmmaker known for his eccentric and distinctive style, always brings a unique touch to his projects. From What We Do in the Shadows to Jojo Rabbit, Waititi’s creativity and humor have captivated audiences around the world. However, it was his take on Marvel’s iconic Thor that really changed things, sparking discussion, debate, and widespread excitement.

When Waititi was chosen to direct Thor: Ragnarok (2017), many fans had strong opinions. Thor, played by Chris Hemsworth, had been a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) for years, and the character was often portrayed as serious and saintly, quite a departure from the more comedic and irreverent tone Waititi was known for. Fans were divided, with some enthusiastic about the prospect of a new take, while others worried that Waititi’s quirky sense of humor would ruin the character.

Fast forward to 2022, and Taika Waititi is back to direct Thor: Love and Thunder, the fourth installment in the Thor franchise. But this time, concerns and criticism from fans have grown. The growing divide over the tone and direction of the MCU under Kevin Feige has come to a head, and Waititi’s work has become a focal point of that conversation. His quirky and comedic style has pushed the boundaries of what fans expect from a Marvel movie, and many are wondering if he’s crossed the line.

In a recent interview, Taika Waititi reflected on the recurring theme of fans worrying that he would “ruin” the character of Thor. His playful response to critics with “What, what do you mean?” demonstrated his relaxed attitude toward criticism and reaffirmed his belief that the most important thing is to stay true to your creative vision. But Waititi’s response was more than just a joke; it was a commentary on the pressures of filmmaking in the Marvel universe and the unpredictable journey of making a beloved character your own.

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The Road to Thor: Ragnarok

Thor had a rocky journey before Waititi came on board with Thor: Ragnarok. While the first Thor film, directed by Kenneth Branagh, successfully introduced the character in 2011, the sequels struggled to establish Thor’s identity. Thor: The Dark World (2013), directed by Alan Taylor, is considered one of the most forgettable entries in the MCU. Despite a strong performance from Hemsworth and the character’s importance to the larger MCU narrative, the film failed to make much of an impact.

With Thor: Ragnarok in development, Marvel needed something new. Enter Taika Waititi. Known for his irreverent humor and quirky sensibilities, Waititi was an unconventional choice to direct a big-budget blockbuster like Thor. Marvel has taken risks with its films—Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) proved that there’s room for humor and irreverence in the MCU—but Thor: Ragnarok was poised to be something truly different.

Waititi’s vision for Thor: Ragnarok was to strip away the character’s rigidity and redefine him as a more sympathetic and humorous character. He wanted to infuse the film with a sense of fun and chaos, giving Thor the opportunity to grow and mature. Hemsworth’s portrayal of Thor as a somewhat unhappy god who was more likely to crack jokes than deliver passionate speeches about fate resonated with audiences. The film was a critical and commercial success, with many praising its light-hearted tone, vibrant visuals, and strong character chemistry.

Despite Ragnarok’s success, however, Waititi’s unconventional approach left some fans feeling uncomfortable. For years, Thor had been portrayed as a noble and serious hero, and Waititi’s comedic approach seemed like a departure from what many expected. But despite the fears, the film was not only a success, but also became one of the most beloved films in the MCU, proving that Waititi’s comedic sensibilities were a perfect fit for the character.

The Critics Return: Thor: Love and Thunder

Back in 2022, Thor: Love and Thunder hit theaters, again directed by Taika Waititi. The film sees Thor embark on a personal journey to find his purpose, while also introducing new characters like Jane Foster (Natalie Portman) wielding Mjolnir as the Mighty Thor. The film also brings back fan-favorite villain Gorr the God Butcher, played by Christian Bale.

However, Thor: Love and Thunder divided audiences in a way that its predecessor did not. While some appreciated the playful tone, colorful visuals, and humor, others felt that the film was too silly, that it diminished the emotional tension, and that it lacked the depth of previous Marvel films. It became a controversial topic among fans, with many expressing that the film’s tone was inconsistent and failed to live up to the legacy of Thor: Ragnarok.

Despite the mixed reaction, Waititi has taken the criticism with aplomb. In interviews, he has reflected on the challenges of following up Ragnarok, which set such a high bar for the character. He admits that the pressure is immense, but he remains steadfast in his belief in staying true to his vision. When asked about ongoing fan concerns, especially those who worry about “ruining” Thor, Waititi responded with his signature sense of humor, saying, “What, what do you mean?”

This response highlights Waititi’s comfort in the face of criticism. Rather than retreat or try to defend himself, he used humor to deflect the pressure and acknowledged that he knows there will always be a segment of fans who may have doubts. His nonchalant approach to these concerns reflects his belief that it’s more important to make the movie you want to make than to try to appease every fan. After all, filmmaking is a subjective art form, and what works for some viewers may not work for others.

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The Challenges of Directing a Character Like Thor

Directing a character like Thor poses unique challenges. Thor isn’t just any superhero—he’s a god, a titanic figure with immense power, and an integral part of the MCU’s ongoing story. For a director like Waititi, who comes from a background in indie filmmaking and comedy, balancing the weight of the character’s mythology with his vision for a lighter, more comedic tone is no easy feat.

One of the big challenges Waititi faced in both Ragnarok and Love and Thunder was integrating Thor into the larger MCU narrative while staying true to his own personal style. The MCU was in a transition period at the time, and there was no guarantee that audiences would accept a goofier, less serious version of Thor. But Waititi’s choice to embrace absurdity and humor made the character more accessible to a wider audience, allowing fans to connect with Thor in a way they never had before.

But the inherent challenge of directing a major franchise character comes with increased scrutiny. Thor fans, who saw him transition from the noble god Thor to a more comedic and sympathetic character in Ragnarok, were in for something new with Love and Thunder. The decision to maintain a comedic, quirky tone while also tackling deeper emotional arcs (like Thor grappling with his self-esteem and the loss of loved ones) made the film a balancing act.

The mixed reception to Thor: Love and Thunder proves that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to making these films. Fans of the earlier Thor films may prefer a more serious tone, while those who loved Ragnarok will be hoping for more. In this context, Taika Waititi’s comedic and unpredictable approach is both a blessing and a curse, as it’s sure to please some viewers while alienating others.

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What’s Next for Taika Waititi and Thor?

While Thor’s future in the MCU remains uncertain, it’s clear that Taika Waititi’s involvement with the franchise has left an indelible mark. Whether or not he returns for a sequel, his approach to the character has opened the door for future filmmakers to experiment with Marvel’s tone, allowing more diverse creative voices to shape the direction of the heroes.

Meanwhile, Taika Waititi continues to work on a variety of projects, including Next Goal Wins, a film about the American Samoa soccer team’s journey to the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Whether he chooses to return to the world of Thor or move on to new adventures, it’s clear that Waititi will continue to make bold, unconventional films that push the boundaries of storytelling.

Ultimately, Waititi’s response to concerns about “ruining” Thor—”What, what do you mean?”—reflects his belief in creative freedom and his confidence in his ability to put his own stamp on the character. It’s this attitude, combined with his undeniable talent, that will continue to fuel his success, no matter what he does next.

In the end, Taika Waititi isn’t here to appease fans or avoid criticism; he’s here to make the films he wants to make, and that honesty and dedication to his craft are what make him one of the most exciting directors working today.

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